How Many Jobs Are Available in the Steel/Iron Ore Industry?
If you are interested in joining the steel/iron ore industry, it is important to know how many jobs are available. This is because there are a variety of positions that you can choose from, ranging from administrative assistants to production managers. Some of the highest paying jobs in the industry include iron ore production managers. However, you should also keep in mind that there are also many jobs that do not pay as much. In fact, the vast majority of jobs in the steel/iron ore industry are located in establishments that have a staff of at least 100 workers.
88 percent of the jobs in 2008 were in establishments employing at least 100 workers
Steel has been an essential input for a wide variety of manufactured products. It is used in structural metals manufacturing and architectural metals production. In addition, it plays a critical role in military and commercial supply chains. But the steel industry has suffered a few major crises over the last several decades.
The first one occurred during the financial crisis of 2008, when unfairly traded steel inundated the global market. Fortunately, trade remedies helped the industry regain shipments and maintain employment. However, steel overcapacity remains a big concern for the global industry. Despite continued investment in new capacity, steel overcapacity is likely to worsen in the years to come.
Moreover, a wide range of industries could be hurt by a loss of domestic steel production. Supply chain disruptions, low-quality inputs, and predatory practices are some of the potential threats. And the United States is no exception.
Among other factors, a slow economic recovery has reduced demand for steel in the U.S. As a result, imports have declined at a faster pace than in the past.
Imports of steel and steel-using products have also displaced workers in the U.S., displacing nearly 1,000 in the first three months of 2014. This figure does not include jobs lost to imports of other materials. Therefore, the total number of jobs displaced due to indirect trade is likely higher.
Another factor contributing to the overcapacity problem is government support for the steel industry. The Chinese government has invested heavily in new production capacity. A number of Asian nations have followed suit. Governments have been loath to reduce support when the need for more capacity declines.
Modern equipment and facilities have helped to reduce the need for heavy labor
The steel industry has changed dramatically in the past few decades. Thanks to modern equipment and facilities, the need for heavy labor has been reduced in most steel/iron ore operations.
As a result, the number of workers in the steel/iron ore industry is expected to decline over the next decade. This is likely to affect many occupations.
Employment in the steel industry is also dependent on the overall economic conditions and the demand for goods made with steel. Steel is a vital building block in the modern world. Steel is used in a variety of ways, from appliances to automobiles. It is even used in oil pipelines. Developing countries may use large amounts of steel in infrastructure, thereby boosting global steel demand.
Historically, the steel and iron industry has been highly unionized. However, due to the drive for efficiency and cost control, many unions have been disbanded. In 2008, 26 percent of steel manufacturing workers were union members.
Traditionally, the steel and iron industry has been based in areas with natural resources. Today, though, the industry is a global one. Competition from all steel mills has led to an increase in specialization. Several companies produce steel only, while others produce finished products.
Many firms report difficulty hiring highly skilled professionals. However, the use of computerization has reduced the number of work hours required to produce a ton of steel. Using computers, operators can control the flow of materials in the production process.
Increasing consolidation among steel mills is expected to lead to employment declines over the next decade. As a result, a substantial number of workers will be needed to replace those who leave the industry.
Highest-paying jobs in the steel/iron ore industry
Steel and iron ore are two of the most important materials in manufacturing. They are vital to a wide variety of industries and are in high demand. The metals are also used in almost every type of construction. Therefore, the steel/iron ore industry offers a number of job opportunities.
Many of the positions in the industry require a strong sense of physical fitness. In addition, workers must be alert and able to handle heavy equipment. Some of the more dangerous jobs include steel erectors, who operate machines that are extremely dangerous. Despite their arduous nature, they are one of the best paying jobs in the steel/iron ore industry.
Millwrights are technicians who maintain the machinery that is used to process iron ore. Generally, these positions require at least two years of experience.
Metallurgists study the properties of the metal and the effects that various processes have on them. They may work in laboratories or in the field.
These jobs are considered to be the most specialized in the steel/iron ore industry. While entry-level positions require only a high school degree, more advanced jobs can take up to four years to master. However, once you have mastered the skills, there are numerous opportunities to move into management or other more advanced positions.
Mining engineers work in the field to ensure safety and progress in mines. Besides providing the mine with an expert’s eye, they oversee the safety of the surrounding area and make sure that it is in good condition.
Operations managers are responsible for ensuring that the production of iron ore and steel goes smoothly. Often, these positions pay more than supervisory jobs.
Iron ore production manager salary
If you are looking to earn a decent salary in the steel/iron ore industry, you have plenty of options. You can choose to work in an underground mine or at a corporate level.
A mining operation is a very physical task, so it makes sense to be physically fit. The price of iron ore has fluctuated recently because of global demand. It is also important to be aware of the environmental impact of your job. In addition, the job offers ample opportunity for advancement.
Although there is no universal requirement to become a steelworker, you can begin your career in this field as an apprentice. These entry-level positions pay a reasonable salary, starting at $33,300 to $40,990 a year.
Iron is a metal used in construction and manufacturing. This versatile material has been in use for thousands of years. Steel is a metal alloy made from iron and carbon. It is often used in all types of construction.
Iron ore is a key natural resource. As the demand for it continues to rise, so will the job opportunities. The industry is in need of workers, and the pay is good.
An iron ore production manager manages the day-to-day administrative tasks of an iron ore company. He or she liaises with other units, plans the schedule, and monitors malfunctioning equipment.
Getting an associate’s degree can get you up the corporate ladder. However, the most useful training you can get for a steel/iron ore job is on-the-job training. Not only will it give you the practical skills you need, it will also teach you the right procedures.
Education and training required to work in the steel/iron ore industry
If you are looking for a career that offers you a high paying, secure job, consider the steel/iron ore industry. You can learn the skills you need to move up the corporate ladder.
Iron ore and steel industries offer jobs that require physical strength, strong communication skills, and a willingness to learn. These skills are essential for entry-level positions, and advanced education isn’t necessary. But it’s important to earn specialized certifications to show employers you have the skills to succeed.
Entry-level jobs in the steel/iron ore sector typically require only a high school diploma. However, there are some positions that require advanced education, and these jobs can take up to four years to complete.
For example, steel furnace operators oversee the operation of a furnace. They manage the flow of raw materials into the furnace, and ensure that it produces the right qualities of metal.
Some of these jobs are in maintenance, transportation, and plant service. Others involve working with heavy equipment. A worker who takes on a supervisory role often earns more than an entry-level worker.
Other careers in the steel/iron ore industry include inspectors, press setters, and batch makers. Inspectors check the quality of finished products and record production. Press setters make rings and bearings, and batch makers tend equipment that recovers powdered metal.
Increasing productivity and technological advancements will continue to reduce the number of workers hired. Steel industry employment is expected to decline 13 percent over the 2008 to 2018 period. This is faster than the average 4% growth rate for all occupations.
Traditionally, the steel industry has been very unionized. However, this has decreased in recent years as many traditional integrated mills close down or become less unionized. In addition, increased competition from other countries has led to a decline in employment.
